November 12, 2016 - Frankly expected more at this price and age. Had always hoped this wine would open up, be more expressive and present a longer finish, as it felt there was promise, but it just never arrived, and I now skeptical that it ever will. It's not bad, just less than I'd hoped. A fine everyday wine that iremains quite tannic and heavy on wild berries, but light on sugar.
September 8, 2012 - The wine is a deep, dark, maroon color. This smells like a fall day with blackberries, charcoal, smoked meat, hot asphalt, minerals, licorice, toasty oak, vanilla, white pepper, and a bit of cherry. This is fairly full bodied with solid, ripe tannins and very nice acidity. Big, bold, and ripe on the palate but everything holds together in perfect balance. Nice meaty, spicy, fruit kick in immediately on the palate with just a touch of earthiness in the background. A fairly long finish completes the package showcasing the fruit and savory elements with a bit of oak peeking in. No hurry on this one, and another year in the cellar will be rewarded.
March 25, 2012 - 2012 Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting (San Francisco, Fort Mason Festival Pavillion): Black currant, earthy, spicy aromas . Medium-bodied with blackberry and spice flavors.
September 10, 2011 - Decanted about 2 hours. Deep maroon color. Big and rich nose with blackberries, vanilla, licorice, white pepper, baking spices, hot asphalt, cherries, with some earthy elements and a nice floral note. Fairly full bodied with solid, ripe tannins and very nice acidity. Mouthfilling fruit and spice on the palate, ripe and lush but with not raisin notes and in no way syrupy. A bit of scratchy oak pops out on the finish. Very tasty, but I think it needs another 6 months for the oak on the finish to integrate. Very nice initial effort!